1.2.3.

AK Binary Numbers and Conversion

Introduction
Have you ever wondered why we use the base-ten, or decimal, number system? Of course,
we have ten fingers. However, the decimal number system that works so well for us is
completely incompatible with digital electronics. Digital electronics only understand two
states, ON and OFF. This is why digital electronics use the base-two, or binary, number
system. In order for you to be able to design digital electronics, you will need to be proficient
at converting numbers between the decimal and binary number systems.
In this activity you will learn how to convert numbers between the decimal and binary number
systems.

Equipment
Calculator (preferably one with a number base conversion feature)

Procedure
1. Complete the following decimal-to-binary number conversions. An example problem is
shown below. If available, use the base conversion feature of your calculator to check
your answers.

Example:
19 (10) = __?__ (2)
Solution:

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Digital Electronics ANSWER KEY 1.2.3 Binary Numbers & Conversion Page 1

Answer:

19 (10)

= 10011 (2)

a) 17 (10)

= 10001

b) 34 (10)

= 100010

(2)

c) 58 (10)

= 111010

(2)

d) 92 (10)

= 1011100

(2)

e) 119 (10)

= 1110111

(2)

f) 178 (10)

= 10110010

g) 297 (10)

= 100101001

(2)

h) 413 (10)

= 110011101

(2)

(2)

(2)

2. Complete the following binary-to-decimal number conversions. An example

problem is shown below. If available, use the base conversion feature of your
calculator to check your answers.
Example:
101001 (2) = __?__

(10)

Solution:

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Digital Electronics ANSWER KEY 1.2.3 Binary Numbers & Conversion Page 2

Answer:

101001 (2)

= 41 (10)

a) 1100 (2)

= 12

(10)

b) 11010

= 26

(10)

c) 111001 (2)

= 57

(10)

d) 1010011 (2)

= 83

(10)

e) 10000101 (2)

= 133

(10)

f) 10011001 (2)

= 153

(10)

g) 100100001 (2)

= 289

(10))

h) 111101010 (2)

= 490

(10)

(2)

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3. Perform the remaining decimal-to-binary conversions to complete the table shown

below.
Decim
al
Numb
er

Binary Number
MSB

LSB

0=

1=

2=

3=

4=

5=

6=

7=

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Conclusion
1. The decimal number system has served humans well since the beginning of mankind.
Ug the caveman didnt call it the decimal number system, but he undoubtedly used his
fingers to count objects in his world. If the decimal system is so good, why do
computer and other digital electronic devices use the binary number system?
Transistors only have 2 states requiring base 2 mathematics.

2. Now that we are using a number system other than the decimal, it is important to
properly subscript our numbers (i.e., 3510, 23410, 100102, etc.). Why is this so
important? Provide at least three examples where neglecting to subscript numbers
could lead to confusion.
Students should recognize the same number can be represented by different
values depending on the subscript.
Example

1616 = 2210 = 101102

3. Without performing the binary-to-decimal conversions, which of the following two

binary numbers is the larger number :

101101 (2) = 4510

011010 (2) = 2610

4. How were you able to determine this? It has a 1 in the MSB placeholder
5. Perform the binary-to-decimal conversions and check your answer. Were you correct?

6. Examine the table that you completed in the procedure portion of the activity. What do
you notice about the LSB (least-significant-bit)? What do you notice about the middle
bit? What do you notice about the MSB (most-significant-bit)? Do you observe a
pattern here?
Student should see the alternating pattern (0,1,0,1,0,1,0,1) (00,11,00,11)
(0000,1111) (00000000)

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7. Based on your observations above, complete the table shown below.

Decimal
Number

0 =
1 =
2 =
3 =
4 =
5 =
6 =
7 =
8 =
9 =
10 =
11 =
12 =
13 =
14 =
15 =

Binary Number
MSB
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

LSB
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1

0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1

0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1

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Going Further Optional

1. What number system do you think the space alien character below would use?
(Hint: count the fingers). Alien = Base 6

Space Alien

2. For some reason, most cartoon characters have traditionally been drawn with four
fingers on each hand. What number system do you think these cartoon characters
would use? Cartoon = Base 8

Cartoon Characters
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Digital Electronics ANSWER KEY 1.2.3 Binary Numbers & Conversion Page 7

3. Use your conclusions above to complete the following conversion table.

Decimal

Binary

Space Alien

Cartoon Character

35

1000112

438

556

2210

10110

268

346

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